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“Tropic Thunder” will open in movie theaters tomorrow and the ignorant hate word “retard” will be repetitively blared over sound systems throughout the country. While movie goers laugh and spill overpriced popcorn, the cause of establishing equality for persons of all abilities will fall with those kernels and be stomped underfoot and forgotten on sticky theater floors.
Please join us and Boycott Dreamworks and “Tropic Thunder”.
Sign this online petition and tell everyone you know to NOT see this movie.
Since DreamWorks has ignored the public’s voice and decided that, “No changes or cuts to the film will be made”, our only hope is that this movie loses money at the Box Office so that Ben Stiller and the rest of Hollywood realizes that while some laughter heals, vulgar humor at the expense of others destroys lives.
It is especially important for us all to ask our husbands, boyfriends, sons and all other men that we know to REFUSE to see this movie. Moms are certainly not the target market of this film, and we must use our influence to express the importance of this matter to those who would otherwise watch this movie.
I can just imagine young men and teenage boys after they have seen this movie laughing and repeating the movie’s catch phrase “never go full retard”. T-shirts have already been made with the phrase “Full Retard”. (In one scene alone, the word “retard” is used over 16 times.)
If you are not aware of the controversy, please read Melody’s post: Insensitive Hollywood People Thought It Felt Right to Use Hate Words Against People Living with Disabilities
Adding your name to the online petition is a quick and free way to show your support for people living with disabilities.
This is an important cause, and I’d like to encourage you to add your name to thepetition and refuse to see the movie. Both will cost you nothing.
(By the way, after your name is submitted, the ipetitions donation page will come up asking you to donate to running ipetitions.com. That donation does NOT go to supporting this cause, and you can just CLOSE the browser at that point… your name will have been added successfully.)
Thank you.
Sébastien Dubé says
I think that the main idea of this movie is to not be overwhelmed by the role they play…. i Think you ppl just didnt understand…
Sébastien Dubé says
Hi, well, i watched this movie with my girlfriend, we both enjoyed it, we didnt hooked to the scene that were talking about this subjet. My mother’s job is to take care of ppl with mental desiease, we sometime have them as guess for cristmas, i loved them and im sure Ben love them as well. The idea is to “not be overwelmed by a role that they play (actors)” thats weird cause i felt guilty that i watch this movie without pay since i had a great time and i fell on this acticle while ben stiller is probably one of the of the best actor in the world and he probably agress on the main purpous of this acticle while he his capable of making a difference between humour and sadness of this world… anyway im french and did my best. id like to give a few buck to Hollywood for this movie and hope to see more… All my life i’ve been surrounded by “ppl with mental desease” and i can easly say that ben didnt have anything against them… Have a good day
Slappy Barnluvia says
This is ridiculous. Ben Stiller is a great man with a great sense of humor. My Mom and I laughed for days after seeing this comedy. Everyone needs to lighten up and enjoy life.
Kisha says
I understand the need to stand up for the word being used but did anyone notice that Robert Downey Jr is in black face? That by doing that he is making a racist statement? Not just Robert but Ben Stiller and everyone in connection wiht the movie.
trisha says
Susan, I agree that its definatly in distaste. I was thinking about this yesterday and blogged about it. I completly stand behind the reasoning that people are upset. Unfortantly “comedy” definatly hurts quite a bit of people…whether its religion, race, or just culturally insensitive, it often seems very unfair at the expense of the person being the butt of the joke.
I try to just ignore things that are not in line with my families morals or use them as a reason to speak with others around me about how my own convictions are.
Although I do believe a boycott brings unnecessary attention, and in a way backfires the original intent, I do think its honorable to take a stand on something that you believe strongly in and I like that moms of children with disabilities are getting a voice right now.
Rock on 5 minutes for mom!
trisha
momdot
Susan says
@Trisha: I completely understand where you are coming from… I too do not boycott everything I disagree with. If I did, I’d likely not be able to watch any movies at all.
But for me one of the differences here is that this movie is laughing at a group who are defenseless and that laughter will ripple loudly throughout the country and hurt thousands of people.
By the way, I do recognize that this movie isn’t INTENDING to make fun of people with intellectual disabilities, but IT IS. It is supposed to be making fun of Hollywood actors, but while doing so, it cruelly affects countless families.
@RefreshMom: I KNOW!!! I really am disappointed in Ben Stiller. I thought he was a better man.
Alexis says
Someone sent me an email today about this film. I am appalled and disappointed.
Bahama Mama says
Since popular culture is so influencial on our society, especially the youth, it is important to stand up and protest to this sort of disgraceful behavior.
I blogged myself about this: http://cabrelli.blogspot.com/
RefreshMom says
Wow, I’m really disappointed in Ben Stiller. I always thought he had a little more going for him than that. I shouldn’t be totally surprised though; anything for a laugh in Hollywood. I’m glad there are groups boycotting though. Can you imagine some of the protests if the “r” word was changed to another more politically proficient group? Hate speech is hate speech. Just because the target is less able to speak up for themselves about it doesn’t make it ok. If anything, it makes it all the more offensive!
I’m so sorry for all those who this directly hurts.
Rebekah at babiesabroad says
There are several facebook groups about this too! I joined one and invited all my friends.
Shannon says
Susan, I wanted to thank you all for taking the time to make this issue important to people other than those of us moms of children with special needs! Thank you so very much!
trisha says
I cant boycott over that. I am smart enough to realize that its not something that I should laugh at or promote, but if I boycotted everything I felt was wrong, I wouldnt be exposed to a variety of very interesting ideas, art, and even history itself.
I think what is more important is to see something and then CHOOSE to make up your mind and use it as an example on what you dont want in your life or your childs life. In fact, boycotting something makes it seem even more powerful because it draws an attraction to watnt to know the ‘big deal’ and promotes the movie even more.
jmho
trisha
bee says
Thanks for linking over to Melody’s post. I’m such a better person for having read it!
Linda says
Done…will boycott…will spread the word…will pray….
Tina says
I signed my name and we’ll definitely be boycotting that movie!
Mary says
OK, I don’t agree at all with degrading people with disabilities, but I want to know why folks are making such a big deal over this when they watch (and let their children watch) videos that degrade the holy God I serve. Movies and TV alike take the name of the Lord my God in vain – a serious violation of the 10 commandments I might add, and millions of people watch it without complaint. I’d like to see a petition started to protect the holy name of God.
Adventures In Babywearing says
Definitely boycotting and signing my name. This cuts deep to my heart, too.
Steph
casual friday everyday says
Susan,
My family and I are going to boycott this movie.
:–) Nell